Description:

Henry Lee is Sued and Lays the Blame at G. Washington's Nephew's Feet

4pp of a bifolium, measuring 7.25" x 11.75", No place, dated July 12, 1812. A statement by Lee, concerning a bill of complaint made against him. Signed at the conclusion "Henry Lee". The suit is titled "The answer of Henry Lee senr. To the bill of complaint exhibited in this honr. Court against him & others by Thos Rowand…" It appears that Lee was having to defend himself against being sued by Rowand for an agreement that he claimed never to have had knowledge of. The document reads in part:

"…many years ago this defendant became indebted to Bushrod Washington one of the defendants mentioned…in the sum of eight thousand six hundred and sixty six dollars…mortgage on a certain estate called Cabbin Point in the county of Westmoreland…money on loan by a gentleman then residing in the Bahama Islands sent the complainant Thomas Rowand as his agent to receive the load & to enable his said agent to give adequate security therefore this defendant did convey to sd Rowand [illegible] tracts of land belonging to him, among which was that above mentioned called Cabbin Point known to be mortgaged to the aforesd B Washington…This defendant never since or before the institution of Judge Washingtons suit obtained my interest in the mortgage aforesaid…This defendant never was acquainted with any negotiation made or making for the purchase of the aforesaid mortgage, until after the same was concluded when this defendants brother R B Lee [Richard Bland Lee] told him that he had bought the same…" The document has flattened folds, with a few small separations and tears at the spine and edges. Light toning and soiling throughout. Large and bold signature.

Henry Lee III (1756-1818) was a cavalry officer in the Continental Army, earning himself the nickname "Light-Horse Harry". After the war, he served as Governor of Virginia and a Virginia Representative to Congress. He was also father to famed Confederate general, Robert E. Lee. Bushrod Washington was the nephew of George Washington and Justice of the Supreme Court. This document is an intriguing historical artifact in which a Revolutionary War hero was sued and in turn, set the blame on George Washington's nephew!

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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